From career changers to recent high school graduates, more than 120 area adults are entering the world of healthcare thanks to the Capital Region BOCES Adult Health Careers Center.
Students enrolled in the adult Practical Nursing program will be celebrated for their academic performance and commitment to helping others during a graduation ceremony on June 24 at Palace Theatre in Albany. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The adults from this year’s class—who hail from communities as far afield as Amsterdam, Albany and Kingston—have completed either a 10-month, full-time, or an 18-month, part-time practical nursing program that encompassed more than 1,100 hours of training that prepared them to take the certification exam to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Most have done so while holding down jobs and caring for their families.
Among them is Myriam Blaise of Schenectady.
“The Practical Nursing program is a great program. The teachers are very caring and attentive. They will stay after to work with you and do whatever it takes to make sure you succeed,” she said.
Also graduating is Natahja Epps of Albany.
“I have been in this field for more than a decade, and BOCES is allowing me to advance myself,” said Epps, who currently works as a patient care technician.
Cristina Leal of Kingston said attending BOCES has been all about broadening her horizons.
“There are a lot of opportunities, even for someone like me who lives so far away,” she said.
Louise Bigando, Director of Health Careers and Services at Capital Region BOCES, said it’s a wonderful time for the graduates to enter the industry.
“The industry is in need of workers, and we have some fantastic students and future nurses who are graduating with bright futures in front of them,” she said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for LPNs will grow 3% by 2033 with 17,000 new jobs being created.
Healthcare providers from across the spectrum of services have been very active in recruiting the BOCES students.
“We have met with a bunch of students who bring a strong presence. We have a lot of LPN positions we are looking to fill, so this has been a good experience for us,” said Michelle Wetsky of St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam.